Two of Nunawading’s brightest young talents, Tom Dammers and Alex Mabbott, have etched their names into history as part of the Australian Crocs’ gold medal triumph at the 2025 FIBA U16 Asia Cup in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
The Crocs overpowered China 85–58 in Sunday’s final at the M Bank Arena, claiming an unprecedented fourth consecutive Asia Cup crown and extending their unbeaten streak in the competition to 23 games. The win also locks in Australia’s place at the 2026 FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup in Turkey.
Dammers the Playmaker
A product of the Spectres’ junior program, Dammers provided steady backcourt production across the six-game tournament. Averaging 8.7 points, 3.5 assists and 2.3 rebounds per contest, he was a reliable option in key rotations and consistently brought composure against high-level opposition. His ability to distribute and score when needed gave the Crocs valuable balance in their guard rotation.
Mabbott a Towering Presence
Standing at 6’11”, Mabbott proved a dominant interior force throughout the campaign. Averaging 9.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game, he anchored Australia’s defense and rebounding effort while also contributing reliable scoring around the rim. His physical presence and consistency provided the Crocs with stability inside, particularly in the high-pressure moments of the finals.
Victorian Strength, Nunawading Pride
Both players were among six Victorians in the gold medal-winning squad, underlining the state’s, and Nunawading’s, strength in player development. Dammers and Mabbott’s performances in Mongolia are a testament not only to their talent, but also to the Spectres’ ongoing tradition of producing elite-level athletes.
The Crocs’ success now turns the focus toward the FIBA U17 World Cup in 2026, where Australia will test itself against the best in the world. For Dammers and Mabbott, the journey is just beginning, and their gold medal-winning campaign stands as an early marker of what promises to be exciting careers ahead.
